The Hundred: Engages the core, arms, and legs for endurance. This exercise requires controlled breathing and sustained abdominal contraction, which helps tone the entire midsection and improves circulation.
What people often refer to as “toning” is actually a combination of building muscle and reducing body fat to give the appearance of more defined muscles.
This is in contrast to contracting and shortening the muscles. This lengthening work (known as ‘eccentric’ training) encourages long and strong muscles. This may help to strengthen without adding muscle bulk.
Thankfully, times are changing and strength training is becoming popular for women as people understand the benefits. In addition, not all types of strength training lead to gains in muscle bulk so you can train in a way that suits your goals.
I attended The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. on a full football scholarship. I was introduced to boxing while attending The Citadel, both sports allowed me to experience the camaraderie of a successful team atmosphere and the challenges of an individual combat sport.
If we think of being ‘toned’ as meaning that someone has good muscle definition then we want to know how to get muscle definition.
Mat Pilates, on the other hand, relies entirely on bodyweight and gravity. While it might seem less intense at first, it's highly effective when performed with control and consistency. Because there’s no external resistance, mat workouts often demand more from your stabilizing muscles, which can improve functional strength and endurance.
The key is consistency. Practicing Pilates regularly allows those small gains to add up to visible change over time.
Pilates is effective for toning muscles and improving overall body strength. While it primarily focuses on building lean muscle mass and enhancing posture, incorporating Pilates into a regular exercise routine can contribute to weight loss when combined with a balanced diet and cardiovascular activities.
Athletes love using our Springboard and Reformer equipment to safely increase flexibility. Our Tower Circles open up the shoulders and thoracic spine, combatting poor posture and freeing up your breath. Regain your range of motion with Pilates!
Whether you're recovering from diastasis recti or leveling up your fitness, I’m here to guide you every step of the way!
However, you should not rely on this method of exercise if you are keen to lose weight. There are contrast suite some classes that combine cardiovascular exercise and Pilates and these may be more appropriate.
When people talk about wanting to get "toned," they’re usually looking for more muscle definition without added bulk. That look comes from building lean muscle while reducing body fat.
Unlike standard workouts that may neglect the deep core muscles, Pilates specifically activates the transverse abdominis, leading to a flatter stomach and improved posture. This results in a stronger, more defined midsection and reduced lower back pain.